Low Back Pain in Primary Care — What’s Really Going On?

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people come into primary care — and for good reason. Most episodes aren’t caused by serious disease or damage, but they can still be painful, limiting, and frustrating. Understanding how to manage it early can make all the difference in recovery.

Why Early Physio Matters

You might wonder: “Does seeing a physio early really help?” The answer backed by research is yes — early physiotherapy can reduce the chance of pain becoming long-lasting and costly. Patients referred for early physio tend to have fewer imaging tests, fewer specialist visits, and achieve similar functional outcomes with fewer overall sessions than those referred later in care pathways.

This matters because delayed care often leads to:

• prolonged pain and disability

• increased fear of movement

• higher reliance on imaging or specialist referrals

Active Rehab vs. Rest — What Works Best?

For too long, traditional advice encouraged rest. But the evidence is clear: active rehabilitation outperforms rest. Passive approaches — like staying off your feet or avoiding movement — often lead to stiffness, loss of strength, and slower recovery.

Active rehab emphasizes:

• graded movement and exercise

• strengthening of the core, hips & back muscles

• improving movement confidence and pain tolerance

• retraining functional tasks like bending, lifting, and sitting

  
  

Instead of focusing on “fixing pain,” active rehab helps your body adapt and become more resilient — so everyday movements feel easier and safer over time.

What Symptoms Might You Notice?

Most people with non-specific low back pain experience:

• dull, achy or sharp back pain

• stiffness after sitting or upon waking

• discomfort with bending or lifting

• fear that movement will worsen pain

These symptoms are very real — but they don’t necessarily mean there’s serious damage.

Functional Xcellence — Your Partner in Spinal Health

At Functional Xcellence, we specialise in evidence-based spinal care tailored to your life goals and abilities. Our approach focuses on:

• personalised active rehab programs

• strength and movement restoration

• reducing fear and improving confidence

• functional retraining for work, sport, and daily life

We don’t just treat symptoms — we build resilient, capable bodies that move well long after pain settles.

Your Next Step to Better Back Health

Low back pain doesn’t have to become chronic. Early, guided physio care improves outcomes, builds confidence, and keeps you moving forward. If you’ve been struggling with persistent low back pain or want a tailored rehab plan, we’re here to help.

👉 Book your assessment today